Could be an interesting precedent

The Herald reports:

A 69-year-old Dutchman is battling to legally reduce his age by 20 years so he can get more work and attract more women on Tinder.

Emile Ratelband argues that if transgender people are allowed to change sex, he should be allowed to change his date of birth because doctors said he has the body of a 45-year-old.

Technically people change gender not sex. But he may have an argument. There are many people who legitimately feel their biological sex is not the same as their gender identity. And I support them being able to legally change their gender.

But age is arbitrary and if people genuinely feel they are a different age to their biological age, why shouldn’t they be able to change it? If a biological male can compete in a women’s sporting event, then could a 35 year old man compete as a 45 year old in a Master’s games?

I could have some vested interest in this. My doctor said my blood pressure is that “of a teenage girl”. I don’t feel 51. I certainly don’t act it. Why should I have to remain legally 51? 🙂

Mr Ratelband’s case has now gone to a court in the city of Arnhmen in the eastern Dutch province of Gelderland.

He was born on 11 March, 1949, but says he feels at least 20 years younger and wants to change his birth date to 11 March, 1969.

Mr Ratelband, who has converted to Buddhism, said: “I have done a check-up and what does it show? My biological age is 45 years.

“When I’m 69, I am limited. If I’m 49, then I can buy a new house, drive a different car. I can take up more work.

He may have a job that requires him to retire at 70. This could be a way to avoid mandatory retirement.

He complains that companies are reluctant to hire someone the age of a pensioner as a consultant.

And he says his move would also be good news for the government as he would be renouncing his pension until he reaches retirement age again.

Very fiscally responsible.

The judge said that he had some sympathy with Mr Ratelband as people could now change their gender which would once have been unthinkable.

But the court said there would be practical problems in allowing people to change their birth date and it would mean legally deleting part of their lives.

The judge asked Mr Ratelband about the status of his early years, from 1949 to 1969, if his official birth date was put back.

“For whom did your parents care in those years? Who was that little boy back then?,” the judge asked.

The Judge needs to watch Star Trek more often. He obviously time traveled.